David Chase Heads to Karlovy Vary for Sopranos Masterclass, Jude Law's Riff Raff in Spotlight

David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, will headline a major storytelling session at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival's (KVIFF) Industry Days program this July. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Chase's session is titled “The Sopranos and Beyond: David Chase on Storytelling, Television, and the Future of Creative Risk.”

The event is part of a star-powered Industry Days lineup running July 5-8, 2026. The program will also feature a spotlight on actor Jude Law’s production company, Riff Raff Entertainment, with co-founder Ben Jackson and head of film and TV Katie Sinclair participating.

What is on the KVIFF Industry Days agenda?

Beyond the headlining sessions, the expanded program includes a discussion on “The Cinematic Series” with writer-producer Sharon Horgan and director Andrij Parekh (Succession). Hugo Rosák, head of the KVIFF Film Industry Office, told THR the festival is constantly evolving to match industry trends. This year’s innovations include the inaugural Book-to-Screen program, launched in partnership with the Frankfurter Buchmesse, to help independent producers in Central and Eastern Europe access adaptation rights.

Rosák explained the initiative aims to “level out the field” for producers who often struggle to secure rights from authors or publishing houses in the region. “A story is a story, and it’s really up to you how you see it best dealt with,” Rosák said, noting the program is open to both film and series adaptations.

How is the festival addressing new industry formats?

The Industry Days will also dedicate time to emerging formats like vertical microdramas. Rosák sees this as a necessary diversification for producers navigating a rapidly transforming landscape. “I see the need for producers to start diversifying a little bit what they do, because they will ultimately have to face moments of survival,” he told THR.

The conversation will extend to practical tools for improving production value, which Rosák said “of course, touches on AI as well.” The focus will be on offering practical applications producers can discuss with studios, rather than simply highlighting the technology's existence. The program will also showcase 11 directors in its KVIFF Central Stage showcase, focusing on experienced filmmakers rather than newcomers, to fill a perceived gap in festival support.

Sources

• Karlovy Vary International Film Festival